What’s the Difference Between SNAP and APT on Linux?

The terms “SNAP” and “apt-get” are often confused, but these are two different commands that have very different functions.

The flatpak vs apt is a question that has been asked many times. In this article, I will attempt to explain the difference between the two.

Snap is a preinstalled solution on an increasing number of Linux distributions, and if you’re acquainted with APT like I am, you may question whether you should switch to Snap and why. This article’s aim is to help you understand the true differences between APT and SNAP, as well as which one you should choose.

SNAP is a tool that allows you to install an archive of software that has been published by the developers in a tested container that is isolated from the rest of the system. APT is a command that will automatically install any necessary dependencies after installing a particular package from the distribution repository.

In this post, I’ll go over everything about these two methods for installing a new program, including how they operate, support, performance, and use. Continue reading to find out which one you should use.

Snap vs. Apt: Support for Distribution

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Most Linux distributions support both Snap and Apt, so you may choose between the two.

Snap

Ubuntu, Manjaro, and Zorin OS all come with Snap preinstalled. It may be readily installed on other major distributions such as Debian, Arch, Fedora, OpenSuse, and their variants (for example Raspberry Pi OS, based on Debian, is supported).

If the snap daemon isn’t already installed on your system, you may do so with: snap sudo apt install Obviously, this is for Debian-based distributions; but, if necessary, modify it to use another package management (dnf, pacman, etc.).

If you have a package management GUI, you can also accomplish this using the graphical interface:

After that, you need reboot your system and install the “core” snap: reboot sudo snap install core sudo

The snap command may then be used to install any application: snap install sudo

We’ll go over this in more detail later, but you can see it in this screenshot. If you’re running snap on a “exotic” architecture (like a Raspberry Pi), you won’t be able to use all of the apps.

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Apt

Apt is preinstalled on any Debian-based distribution. Other distributions use a similar approach, therefore you may use this page to learn about the differences between the conventional package management and snap if you use Red Hat or Arch Linux.

The instructions for using apt are quite similar to those for snap:

Update the catalog of packages: apt update sudo
Installed packages should be upgraded: apt upgrade sudo
sudo apt install sudo apt install sudo apt install sudo apt install sudo apt install sudo apt If any necessary dependencies are present in the repository, it will be installed automatically.

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What’s the Difference Between Snap and Apt?

The major difference between Snap and Apt is that Apt will install a single package on the system, while Snap will download the whole archive, including all requirements, and install it in a restricted folder that is separated from the rest of the system.

When you use Snap to install an application, you are downloading the exact archive that the developers generated for your architecture. It has been tested under the same circumstances as the previous version and contains all dependencies. This archive will be extracted in a restricted area (in some respects, it’s comparable to Docker applications) with limited access to the operating system.

Snap is popular among developers because it allows them to customize the installation environment. There are less problems with other applications and different versions of dependencies. It should operate the same way on your machine as it does for the devs. They can also release changes quicker since they don’t have to wait for the distribution to verify them (which can take a long time, especially on systems like Debian where stability is key).

When you use Apt, on the other hand, you just download one package. It may automatically add dependencies, but only if you don’t already have them installed. Furthermore, although though distribution validation for updates may cause a delay in their availability, you may feel more confidence in installing them since a third-party (the repository manager) has reviewed the update code before making the package accessible for your system.

What are the best places to look for Snap or Apt apps?

Snap and Apt do not use the same distribution techniques. Snap apps are accessible via the Snap store, whereas Linux distributions have repositories you may access using the apt command.

Whether you wish to utilize snap, you can either use the command we saw earlier to install the program, or you may explore the Snap Store to check if it’s available. Snaps that come preinstalled on a distribution usually include a graphical interface where you can download them directly. Here’s an illustration:

On Linux, I believe it is lot simpler for novices. We’re accustomed to shopping on our phones, and it’s the same here. You’ll discover a few applications in each category that you can install with a single click. There’s no need to utilize command lines, and there’s no danger of dependency problems.

If you don’t already have this program installed, use your package manager to install the snap-store package, for example: sudo apt install snap-store Another benefit of utilizing this app rather than the website is that it filters the programs that are accessible on your system. On a normal computer, this isn’t a huge issue, but for Raspberry Pi owners, it’ll save them a lot of heartache (as most apps are not available for ARM).

I’m sure you already know this, but apt, or any other package manager, is always pre-installed on your system. You can use tools like Synaptic to search and install packages via a graphical interface on Debian-based computers, or you can simply use the command lines if you know them (I gave them at the beginning of this post).

The amount of results you’ll receive for each request is one issue with APT. For example, if you search for “Thunderbird,” you’ll see not just the main program package, but also all of the locales, all of the Thunderbird-related packages, and so on. That’s why, for novices, I prefer the Snap method. Most users shouldn’t have to worry about dependencies (such locales) and should be able to focus on the primary outcomes (like Snap does).

Comparison between Snap and Apt’s performance

There is no difference in performance between Snap and Apt-installed programs after the installation and first execution. However, since snap archives include all requirements (even if you already have them), the download and first execution will take longer.

If you have a limited storage space (such as an SD card on a Raspberry Pi) or a poor Internet connection, this is a major benefit of APT. Packages are smaller, and you only have to install dependencies once.

It isn’t a significant issue in other situations. To give you an example, I tried both ways to install Thunderbird. The package is 59 megabytes in size, whereas the Snap archive is 76 megabytes. Even with little space or a poor connection, this isn’t a significant difference, but as you install more and more apps, it may become significant.

Snap vs. Apt: Management Updates

Snap and Apt handle updates differently. Snaps updates are examined four times each day and updated as soon as a new version becomes available. The system administrator has complete control over the update process using Apt.

This article in the official Snap documentation covers everything in detail. Snap is a daemon (note the “d” at the end of “snapd”) that runs in the background. As a result, it’s a service that runs continuously and checks for changes on a frequent basis. You can put off this check for a while, but you won’t be able to avoid upgrading your applications. It’s ideal if you want to always have the most recent version installed on your system.

Apt, on the other hand, will offer the end-user control (or system administrator). You may enable automated security updates (for example, using unattended-upgrades), but in general, the program will only be upgraded when you opt to do so (by running apt upgrade or using the graphical equivalent).

It’s worth noting that snaps allow you to install several versions of the same software. Most consumers will not find this feature helpful, but developers may appreciate it. If you’re working on Thunderbird extensions, for example, you may install both the current version and the latest beta to ensure that your extension works on both before releasing it to the public.

Is it better to use Snap or Apt for your system?

Different security methods are used by Snap and Apt. While Snap has the benefit of being able to install a new program in a small area with less chance of damaging your system, Apt has the advantage of third-party approval by the repository manager.

Snap is definitely safer if you trust the developers, since there is less risk of causing conflict, a dependency problem, or anything else on your system. When you have a lot of snaps loaded, each program is on its own virtual partition, which looks like this:

Apt will install new packages in their default locations (for example, /etc or /opt). This is great since it will be highlighted when you seek for assistance in the online documentation. When you need to debug anything, Snap is a little clumsy.

You should be secure from a security perspective if you utilize the official repository for your distribution. Before publishing an update, a group of developers from the distribution organization will examine the code and, in certain cases, test the app for a lengthy period in a “beta” distribution. It should be safe to install whenever it’s eventually available with apt upgrade.

The update cycle varies depending on your distribution (for example, Ubuntu is quick, while Debian is lengthy), but it’s generally safe to install once it’s ready. This warning obviously does not apply if you use third-party repositories or PPAs, since the distribution has no control on these packages.

PPA and third-party repositories should be avoided if security is a top priority. It’s the worst of both worlds: no container and no validation.

Snap vs. Apt: Advantages and Disadvantages

Snap’s benefits and drawbacks

Pros	Cons
Updates are made accessible as soon as they become available.	More disk space is required.
The developer’s surroundings are the same.	It will take a little longer to download.
Beginners will find it easier.	The locations of the files vary.
Up-to-date at all times.	There is no mechanism to manage updates.
After eradication, there are no traces on the system.	It isn’t compatible with all distributions (ex: RPI OS snaps are not displayed in the main menu).
There are no problems with dependencies.	Snaps aren’t supported by every architecture.
Because the program is contained inside a separate partition, it may be safer.

The advantages and disadvantages of using Snap on Linux

The advantages and disadvantages of using Apt

Pros	Cons
Overall, better GUI integration.	It may be difficult to locate the package that needs to be installed.
It’s easier to follow the documentation since the files are in the right place (/etc, /var/log, and so on).	Once the distribution version has become outdated, there will be no further updates.
Because the application is validated by the distribution maintainer, it may be safer.	Beginners and non-tech aware users may find it daunting.
The updating procedure is completely within the user’s control.

The advantages and disadvantages of using Apt on Linux

Which one should you use: Snap or Apt?

Snap is generally better for advanced users on critical systems who want to keep control of everything on the computer or server, while apt is generally better for desktop users, especially beginners, who want an easy way to install applications and keep them up-to-date, while apt is generally better for advanced users on critical systems who want to keep control of everything on the computer or server.

At the end of the day, it’s a personal decision. Snap is definitely ideal for you if you trust the creators, have a decent connection, adequate storage space, and want the newest version.

Apt is definitely a better option if system stability is more essential than having the most recent version (particularly for servers and business PCs), and you want to make sure everything is tested and authorized before upgrading the key components of your system.

If you’re stuck in the middle, you’ll have to make a decision, or you may start with less sensitive applications and see how things go. It’s similar to selecting between Ubuntu and Debian, in my opinion. I may choose to install Ubuntu on a novice PC since it’s simpler to use, has the most recent program versions, and so on. However, since I’ve had too many negative experiences with Ubuntu, I’ll never install it on a server (upgrades messing up the whole system).

The majority of the time, I prefer to utilize appropriate. The only exception is if the program I’m looking for isn’t in the repository but is accessible as a snap. And I’ll only use a snap on a machine that isn’t mission-critical. If an app isn’t accessible in the repository, I’ll always install it from source on a server. You don’t want an update to screw with the settings, particularly if this program has a lot of users.

Because there are so few snaps available for ARM, apt is still the easiest method to install new applications on a Raspberry Pi.

Snap and Apt Frequently Asked Questions

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Snap installs packages where?

Snap packages are installed by default at /var/lib/snapd/snaps. The df command (/snap/ in general) may also be used to see the equivalent virtual partitions.

What is the best way to run a snap program?

The snap application may be accessible immediately from the main menu or exclusively via the command line, depending on the Linux distribution you run. On Ubuntu, for example, it will be added to the applications menu immediately, while on Debian, you may need to launch the program from a terminal.

What is the procedure for uninstalling a snap application?

The remove command is the simplest method to uninstall a snap application: sudo snap remove. If you have Snap Store installed on your machine, you may also do it from there.

What is the difference between a Snap and a Flatpak?

Snap and Flatpak both have the same concept and benefits. The primary benefit of Flatpak over Snap is that application dependencies are shared across all Flatpak programs installed on your system.

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Resources for the Raspberry Pi

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This website also contains all of my tool and hardware suggestions.

The apt vs apt-get is a question that has been asked many times before. There are two different tools in Linux, and they both have their own uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Snap replacing apt?

No, apt is still the default package manager for Ubuntu.

Should I use Snap or Deb?

This is a difficult question. If you are new to investing, I would recommend using Snap because it is easier to use and understand. However, if you have more experience in the field of investing, then I would recommend using Deb.